Parts Needed to Add a Towing Package to a 2016 Ford Flex

Updated 05/14/2019 | Published 05/12/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(33)

$210.80

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(107)

$251.20

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(50)

$69.02

Derale Stacked-Plate Engine Oil Cooler Kit w/ Sandwich Adapter (Multiple Threads) - Class III

(9)

$227.03

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW

(840)

$709.46

Thin Walled Socket for Equal-i-zer Hitches

(100)

$95.09

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(337)

$96.74

Question:

I have a 2016 Ford Flex 3.5 SE, non ecoboost. No factory towing. What is needed to get me setup to tow a 3500 pound travel trailer? I see conflicting notes of the Flex only being able to pull 2000 pounds which I am assuming is what I have, but then I see 4500 pounds if properly equipped with a class III hitch. I would also imagine the Flex does not have 7 pin wiring, so what do we do there? How about brake control and WDH?

asked by: Gerry R

Expert Reply:

According to my research you can tow up to 4,500 lbs with your 2016 Ford Flex if you have the Class III Trailer Towing Package (which looks like it includes a 4/7 Way wiring harness, hitch receiver, trailer sway controller, and an engine oil cooler). If you don't have the Class III trailer towing package then you are limited to 2,000 lbs. We have compatible parts to "give" you the Class III trailer towing package but you will need to double check with Ford to make sure that it will still be okay with aftermarket equipment.

I recommend going with the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch # 13551 because it has a 5,000 lb towing capacity which means your Flex is the limiting factor. If you happen to have the dual exhaust then you need the Curt # C13110 instead which is still a Class III trailer hitch but the max towing weight is 4,000 lbs so that will be your limiting factor.

Then for wiring I recommend the Curt T-Connector # C56343 because it tees in behind the tail lights on your Ford Flex and then draws power directly from your battery via the included black wire. Then to finish out the wiring for a brake controller I recommend using the 4-Way/7-Way Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L which connects directly with the T-Connector and then has a power wire for the Curt Echo # C51180 brake controller which is the first controller on the market that can be used with an Apple or Android smart device via Bluetooth connection.

For a sway control (SC) and weight distribution (WD) system I recommend the Equal-i-zer # EQ37060ET which has a tongue weight rating of 200 lbs - 600 lbs (which should be right where you want it) and comes with a 2" hitch ball. It is recommended to use a 1-7/8" thin-walled socket like part # EQ70-00-4800 to install the hitch ball.

And finally for an engine oil cooler I recommend the Derale Engine Oil Cooler Kit # D15602 which is a Class III cooler with the stacked-plate design that is the most efficient out of all the cooler options. Just be sure you have enough room to install the cooler in your engine compartment (see attached photo).

Attached are some videos and multiple links to instructions that you can reference. You will want to verify the weight ratings for your Ford Flex in your owner's manual or with your local Ford dealer as well.